Shocked yesterday to get a demand for 2.5K ESA to be repaid! One year ago I had to attend a phone call where I was told the occupational pension I had taken out should have been declared. The pension was £61 per month. After the phone call they reduced my ESA by approx £25 A month. They said that was it, all sorted. Now I have a letter saying I didn't declare the pension so have a civil fine of £50 as well as nearly £2.5 K to repay. The tone of the letter is hostile as though I have been cheating. Apparently I didn't make a reasonable excuse although being in the support group and having a severe stress disorder affecting mental functioning was explained. I can't see any way they have got to 2.5 K so I'm going to contact them but wondered if anyone had any extra perspective for me on this. Thanks.
I'm limited on the advice I can give you on the forum for practicality reasons so you might want to consider getting face to face advice from a trained advisor, do an internet search for "welfare advice" with your postcode, town or county.
When did the pension start and was this before or after your ESA claim?
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
